Abstract: A reciprocating display mechanism performing predetermined display by reciprocating a hand within a fixed area includes a hand capable of reciprocating within the fixed area, a hand driving wheel that drives the hand and includes a wheel, a transmission wheel that rotates the hand driving wheel by engaging with a tooth of the wheel, and a biasing member that biases the hand in one direction of the reciprocating, wherein the wheel includes an angle area corresponding to the fixed area and a region adjacent to the angle area, the angle area provided with teeth and a part of the region adjacent to the angle area provided with an idle region in which the transmission wheel idles, and the one direction biasing by the biasing member is a direction in which the tooth adjacent to the idle region engages with the transmission wheel when the idle region faces the transmission wheel.

Abstract: A device may detect a first entry of a first user device of a first user into a merchant area. The device may monitor a movement of the first user device within the merchant area. The movement may include a transition from a shopping area of the merchant area to a checkout area of the merchant area. The device may detect a transaction between the first user and the merchant. The device may determine a shopping duration for the first user and a checkout duration for the first user. The device may detect a second entry of a second user device of a second user into the merchant area. The device may perform one or more actions based on detecting the second entry. The one or more actions may be performed selectively based on the shopping duration or the checkout duration of the first user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: A movement warning system for notifying a proximal entity of the approach of a vehicle comprising a sensor system, a controlling mobile device, and a signal generator system. The sensor system generates motion data indicative of movement of the vehicle. The controlling mobile device generates at least one warning signal based on the motion data. The signal generator system generates at least one warning based on the to at least one warning signal. The signal generator generates the warning such that the proximal entity perceives the warning.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for programming a medical infusion pump are disclosed. One method includes displaying a meter having two or more locations, each of the two or more locations representing a corresponding parameter value programmable into the medical infusion pump. The method further includes displaying an indicator having a selectable positional relationship to the meter, the selected position corresponding to a parameter value.

Abstract: A position monitoring system comprising a casing which attaches to an item and a locator chip which inserts into the casing; a distance monitoring unit, where the distance monitoring unit houses a global positioning device which monitors a location of the locator chip; a display screen on a front face of the distance monitoring unit, where said display screen shows the location of the locator chip; a dial attached to the front face of the distance monitoring unit; a range of distances displayed radially around the dial, where an individual distance determines a radius for a circular boundary around the distance monitoring unit and where the dial turns to the individual distance to set the radius for the circular boundary; and a speaker attached to the distance monitoring unit, wherein the speaker sounds an alarm to alert a user when the locator chip leaves the circular boundary.

Abstract: An imaging system (10) and method (200) for reading residential and/or commercial meters. The system and method comprise a transmission element (12) that attaches to an external location of a meter (24). The transmission element (12) selectively communicates a reading signal (40) corresponding to a meter value. The system and method further comprise an imaging unit (14) located within the transmission element (12) that images the meter value at a prescribed frequency. The system and method also comprise a transceiving arrangement (16) that receives the reading signal (40) communication from the transmission element. The transceiving arrangement (16) also comprises a converter (44) that analyzes and converts the reading signal (40) communication to a use signal (46).

Abstract: An analog-style gauge for displaying the value of a parameter measured or sensed by a remote sensor. The gauge comprises an actuator having a selectively rotatable shaft and a pointer fixedly attached to the actuator shaft and capable of being internally illuminated by light directed into the pointer. A light source is disposed to direct light of at least two colors into the pointer. Control circuitry is operably connected to the actuator, the light source and a remote sensor. The control circuitry rotates the actuator shaft within a range of motion in response to signals received from the remote sensor indicative of changes in the value of the sensed parameter. The control circuitry changes the color of light directed into the pointer when the pointer reaches a pre-determined point within the range of motion, whereby the internal illumination of the pointer will change color when the pointer reaches a predetermined point within the range of motion.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The indicator assembly includes a (“floating”) needle configured to rotate with respect to an indicator housing. The needle is selectively illuminable by a light source which may be mounted in various placements with respect the indicator assembly.

Abstract: A movement warning system for notifying a proximal entity of the approach of a vehicle comprising a sensor system, a controlling mobile device, and a signal generator system. The sensor system generates motion data indicative of movement of the vehicle. The controlling mobile device generates at least one warning signal based on the motion data. The signal generator system generates at least one warning based on the to at least one warning signal. The signal generator generates the warning such that the proximal entity perceives the warning.

Abstract: A digital monitoring device for monitoring an analog gauge including a pointer, the digital monitoring device comprising: a pixilated optical sensor array for mounting over the analog gauge to generate a digital signal corresponding to movement of the pointer; an image processing means for reading the pointer of the analog gauge from the electrical signals from the pixilated array, and an alert output for outputting an alert corresponding to pointer exceeding acceptable boundaries.

Abstract: A media enhanced shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart comprising a frame, a basket, a handle, a base tray, a plurality of wheels, a read component for performing a proximity scan of the shopping cart, a locationing component for determining a location of the shopping cart within a store based on the scan, and a display component for displaying at least one advertisement for a product based on the location of the shopping cart within the store, wherein the locationing component is further operable to determine a location of the product within the store relative to the shopping cart based on the scan, and wherein the display component is further operable to display an indication of the location of the advertised product relative to the location of the shopping cart.

Abstract: An illuminated gauge includes a dial with at least first and second ranges of markings. The first range of markings indicates one type of vehicle information and the second range of markings indicates another type of vehicle information. A single motor is used to move a common pointer between the first and second ranges of markings. A selector is to be operated by a user to select between the different types of vehicle information.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes a display device having a plurality of indicia indicative of a vehicle parameter. The display device includes a plurality of dimmable segments. Each dimmable segment has a lower end point associated with a first value of the vehicle parameter and an upper end point associated with a second value of the vehicle parameter. Each of the dimmable segments has an independently adjustable intensity and adapted to illuminate at least a portion of the indicia. A control module is adapted to receive a signal indicative of an actual value of the vehicle parameter. The control module also adjusts the intensity of at least one of the dimmable segments based on the signal.

Abstract: An improved structure of meter, comprising a casing, a circuit board provided in the casing and having a connecting unit for connecting to an external machine, a central processor provided on the circuit board for transmitting the signals among individual unit and machine, a display unit for displaying the condition of the external machine, a correcting memory unit for detecting and memorizing the signals from various machines, a driving control unit for saving the variations in signals from various machines, a monitoring unit for presetting an alarm value and producing an alarm signal, a wireless transmitting unit for receiving the signals transmitted from the wireless controller, and an illuminating unit connected to the central processor for corresponding to both ends of the meter ring and the display unit. With the above arrangement, the meter of the present invention can be adapted to various kinds of machines and instruments.

Abstract: The instrument panel gauge assembly includes an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon and a needle pointer for a gauge assembly positioned adjacent thereto. A transparent chaplet is formed within the applique to allow light to pass through. The needle passes over the chaplet as the needle moves. When the needle is positioned directly in front of the chaplet, light is blocked from passing through the chaplet. A light sensing element is positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the chaplet. A light baffle guides light passing through the chaplet to the light sensing element. A controller receives a signal from the light sensing element indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the chaplet. The controller then compares the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculates a correction factor, and calibrates the gauge accordingly.

Abstract: A display for a vehicle includes an indicator such as a pointer or needle. The display is configured such that (1) the position of the indicator is responsive to, and thus indicative of, a first measurable vehicle characteristic; and (2) the appearance of the indicator is responsive to, and thus indicative of, a second measurable vehicle characteristic. In a preferred embodiment, the first measurable characteristic is vehicle speed and the second measurable characteristic is engine speed so that the display functions as a combined speedometer and tachometer. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes an indicating needle provided in an instrument board, a stopper device to define a turning start position and a returning position of the indicating needle, a stepping motor for driving the indicating needle, and a control device to control the stepping motor; the control device outputs a zero reset signal for returning the indicating needle to the stopper device and a signal for moving the indicating needle away from the stopper device to the stepping motor when the stepping motor is turned on or turned off to carry out a missed step reset processing.

Abstract: An analog instrument gauge display is provided that comprises a lens having a pointing indicia displayed thereon, a back plate having a pattern thereon, and a drive motor coupled to the lens and configured to rotate the lens and pointing indicia relative to the pattern on the back plate in response to receipt of a signal.

Abstract: A hardware monitoring device suitable for use to monitor performance of hardware installed in a computer host system is disclosed. For example, the operating temperature and transmission speed of a hard disk or the temperature of a central processing unit can all be monitored by such device. The monitored information can also be displayed on a panel as a reference for adjustment of a heat dissipation fan. By the connection via a firmware, the adjustment of the heat dissipation fan and the monitored information of the hardware can be directly accessed from the operation system of the computer.

Abstract: A speed meter unit has a magnetic pointer position detector, including an output coil, a detection coil and a magnetic piece. The output coil generates magnetic flux. The detection coil is for detecting the magnetic flux from the output coil. When a pointer has returned to an initial position, the magnetic flux generated in the output coil can reach the detection coil through the magnetic piece, so that a microcomputer can detect the initial position of the pointer. Such the magnetic pointer position detector is resistive to the soil or the oxidization, so that the speed meter unit can detect the initial position of the pointer accurately and securely.

Abstract: A display device includes having a display unit which comprises a scale with graphic information and an indicator element which can be aligned as a function of at least one input parameter with a position of the scale. In order to ensure a better readability particularly in the case of small display devices, the display of the graphic information is changed in an area around the momentary position of the indicator element in comparison to a normal display.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control a plumbing fixture, such as a whirlpool, that has electrically operated components. The apparatus has a dial that is moveable by the user into a plurality of positions to select a function of the plumbing fixture to be controlled. A unique sensor arrangement detects motion and the direction of the motion and provides a signal to a controller that changes the valve of a pointer that designates which function is presently selected. The user then presses a keypad to indicate whether the selected function is to be activated or deactivated and to control the intensity of the selected function. The signals from the keypad also are applied to the controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote monitoring of an analog meter is set out which employs a Hough Transform on the edge points of the meter scale to obtain the center of the scale. The graduation marks and the needle are detected from the intensity profile along various radii. Thereby, the meter reading can be flexibly adopted to different meter scales during an easy training process. The method can be modified for oblique reading of the scale.

Abstract: A low pressure alarm assembly where a switch for activating a low pressure alarm is operably associated with a link assembly which is operably actuable in response to the movement of a pressure responsive element. In one embodiment, the link assembly incorporates a pointer which is adapted to sweep across the plate of a pressure gauge into contact with the switch to close the switch and activate the low pressure alarm.

Abstract: An instrument panel unit of a vehicle incorporates a radio signal receiver formed on a circuit board which is fixed over a meter circuit board in parallel thereto within a meter housing. It is disposed so that an antenna inlet on the circuit board is located in one outer region among longitudinally trisected regions of the meter circuit board. The meter circuit board works efficiently as additional part of antenna, thereby improving the signal receiving performance inclusive of the antenna gain of the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system, and method for detecting and measuring the bi-directional flow of a fluid through a fluid meter, such as a household or business water meter. In one device embodiment the invention comprises a logical switch collar (12) disposed over an analog fluid meter (14) having a sweep-hand (18) with a magnet (16) coupled thereto. In operation, the logical switch collar (12) consists of at least two magnetic switches that are triggered to open or close in response to the rotational movement of the sweep-hand (18) as fluid flows through a fluid meter (14) in both the forward and reverse directions. These switching events are detected and recording by an electronic module (19). Advantageously, the present invention accurately monitors and records fluid consumption at predetermined intervals when the fluid flows through the meter in either direction (14).

Abstract: A mechanical gauge having a mechanism for setting multiple alarms within tolerance values. When such tolerance values defined by the mechanism are reached, the same mechanism activates an alarm.

Abstract: An alarm device for signaling when an object reaches a specified temperature. The alarm device includes a thermometer for detecting the temperature of the object. The device further includes a switch element which is closed when the thermometer indicates the specified temperature. The closed switch element triggers an alarm, such as a light or a buzzer, which will signal a person monitoring the temperature that the specified temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A method and system for determining if a mail piece contains a loose particulate matter is disclosed. The mass of each mail piece is determined twice utilizing a vibrating tray scale. During one determination, the mass of everything contained within the mail piece, including any type of loose particulate matter, is included. During the other determination, the mass of any loose particulate matter contained within the mail piece is not included. If the mail piece contains any type of loose particulate matter, there will be a difference in the masses of the mail piece as determined by the vibrating tray scale, indicating the mail piece may contain a lose particulate matter. The mail piece can then be diverted from the normal processing path for further inspection, thereby preventing cross-contamination of other mail pieces and processing equipment.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a relative slow-acting vehicle gauge indicator, such as a rotatable pointer. A muscle wire driven rack gear is operatively connected to a rotatable pointer gear. The rack gear is biased to a gauge at-rest position by a spring member. Upon receiving an electrical signal from a vehicle sensor, the muscle wire contracts, moving the rack member against the spring force to drive the gauge pointer to an appropriate reading on a gauge face.

Abstract: A propane level monitor assembly for determining the level of propane in a storage tank. The propane level monitor assembly includes a gauge monitor assembly including a housing being adapted to be removably mounted upon a propane tank gauge, and also including a transmitter being disposed in the housing; and further includes a receiver unit including a housing member and also a receiver member being disposed in the housing member for receiving waves transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: A cable operated display device for a bicycle is provided in which the cable can be easily installed or replaced. The cable operated display device includes a mounting portion, a housing, an internal take-up element and a lid. The mounting portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle. The housing is coupled to the mounting portion. The housing has an interior cavity and an open front. The internal take-up element is pivotally coupled within the housing about a first pivot axis. The internal take-up element has a cable attachment portion that is accessible through the open front of the housing without detaching the internal take-up element from the housing. The lid is releasably coupled to the housing to overlie the open front of the housing. The lid has a window to view the movement of an indicator coupled to the internal take-up element.

Abstract: A SCUBA air diver computer having an analog gauge with an IR switch mounted thereon which is actuated by a mirror attached to the pointer of the gauge to indicate a preselected pressure reading and actuate an aural alarm.

Abstract: A portable, compact, freestanding sensor housing is configured to be stably and removably affixed relative to a metering device having a movable indicator element. The housing includes a transmitter for emitting electro-magnetic radiation and a receiver for receiving electro-magnetic radiation. The transmitter and the receiver are positioned to define a reflective region within which an object will reflect electro-magnetic radiation emitted from the transmitter toward the receiver. A signal generator, in communication with the receiver, generates a signal indicating that the movable indicator element is located within the reflective region. A sensor warning device affixed relative to the metering device will thereby generate a signal when the movable indicator element is located within the reflective region.

Abstract: Accurate, unambiguous, and space-efficient electronic display techniques are provided for presenting the operator with an indicator whose graphical configuration varies in accordance with whether the relevant control value is within a predetermined tolerance range of a set-point value. More particularly, a control value indicator includes a scale having an axis associated with the control value, a set-point marker placed at a first position along the scale for indicating the set-point value, and a pointer having a second position along the scale for indicating the control value. The pointer and/or the set-point marker exhibit a first graphical configuration corresponding to the case where the control value is not within the predetermined tolerance of the set-point value, and a second graphical configuration corresponding to the case where the control value is within the predetermined tolerance of the set-point value.

Abstract: An indicator of a meter is driven by a step motor in which a rotating magnetic field formed by field coils which is a composite of magnetic fields of the coils supplied with a sine-wave-driving current and cosine-wave driving current. The indicator is also returned to a stopper located at a zero position of the meter by the rotating magnetic field. A part of the rotating magnetic field, which is formed from the sine and cosine waves in a range of the phase angle between -340 degree and -(180 degree-.DELTA.a degree) in the zero-return process, is cut after the indicator rests on the stopper so that such part of the rotating magnetic field may not separate the indicator from the stopper.

Abstract: A panel meter having an integrated warning light activated by an abnormal operating condition. The meter embodies a conventional electrical meter movement having dial and pointer. The pointer, connected to an armature, is rotatable by the interaction of a magnetic armature with a varying magnetic field generated by varying a sender current in wound coils. Integrated into the meter and on a surface mount printed circuit board between the dial and coils are the components and wiring traces of a dual comparator circuit that activates a light emitting diode signal lamp when a high or low limit operating condition is reached. The signal lamp is fully integrated and mounted on the circuit board and viewable through an aperture in the dial. The same circuit board is usable for high and low limit sensing devices by choosing the position of a resistor located between the comparator collector and the light emitting diode.

Abstract: An alarm device, an improved squeeze-pad hydraulic system for a squeeze truck, and a method for converting an existing squeeze-pad hydraulic system of a squeeze truck into a squeeze-pad hydraulic system that alerts the operator of the squeeze truck when dangerously high hydraulic pressures are approached within the squeeze-pad hydraulic system are described. The alarm device comprises: an alerting device, operationally responsive to an electrical signal, having an input terminal for receiving the electric signal, and an alarm threshold switch comprising: a pressure transducing element in fluid communication with the hydraulic lines in a manner such that hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid lines will exert a pressure on the pressure transducing element, and an electrical switching device, in electrical connection with the input terminal, for directing the electrical signal to the input terminal.

Abstract: This invention provides an overload protection device wherein a dangerous situation warning is given to workers in architectural construction when a load value imposed on a temporary column reaches a preset value. The device comprises a load pedestal above and a base pedestal below, a load detecting equipment which detects the load value on the load pedestal after converting the load value into a hydraulic pressure value, a pressure detecting equipment which operates when the pressure reaches the preset value, and a notice equipment which informs workers that the load value imposed on the temporary column has reached the preset value.

Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher includes a tank defining a volume containing a fire extinguishing material and further defining a tank outlet, and a valve assembly mounted at the tank outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve housing, a valve disposed relative to the tank outlet for metering release of fire extinguishing material from the volume, a valve trigger mounted for movement of the valve between a first position for containing fire extinguishing material within the volume and a second position for metering release of fire extinguishing material, and a gauge disposed in communication with the volume for display of pressure condition of fire extinguishing material within the volume. The portable fire extinguisher further includes an electronic circuit (31,32') mounted thereupon to issue a signal, e.g., an audio or visual signal upon detection of a predetermined condition, e.g.

Abstract: A residential oil-fired furnace heating system includes an oil storage tank having a fuel level gauge, and a second fuel level indicator located in a zone remote from the fuel oil storage tank. The homeowner can read the oil level from the second indicator without having to go down into the basement or other area where the tank might be located. The second indicator can have an alarm device that is triggered when the indicator reading reaches the near-empty reading. The alarm device alerts the homeowner that it is time to reorder a new supply of fuel oil.

Abstract: A lighted switch set gauge includes Hall effect devices using a circuit activating switch attached to a lower extension of indicating and switch set pointers. The switch set pointer is externally adjustable. An overriding slip gear with automatic spring-back is incorporated in the switch set arm prevent damage to the set pointer at the extreme ends of its range of movement. The indicating pointer can be calibrated without removing a hub attached to the shaft of the gauge meter movement.

Abstract: A diver's air tank pressure gauge having audible and visual alarms, an alarm pointer for indicating the pressure at which the alarms will activate, and a crank assembly for changing the position of the alarm pointer. The pressure gauge dial has a cutout for limiting the travel of the alarm pointer between acceptable high and low pressure limits. When the air tank pressure equals a preset alarm pressure, an electrical circuit is completed which activates the alarms. The diver can then turn off the alarms by resetting the alarm indicator to a lower pressure setting and continue the dive at a shallower depth.

Abstract: An adjustable signalling gauge may utilize a non-captivating, magnetically actuated switch element which is mounted in an influence zone of the path of a magnet carried by an indicating pointer of a gauge. The gauge may be easily adjusted by an indirect adjustment mechanism. The adjustment may be by a reducing gear. Indirect adjustment effectively allows a reduction in the torque required to change the switching threshold.

Abstract: A pressure responsive apparatus having an encoded disc provides preselected pressure indication. The apparatus preferably includes a pressure gauge having a Bourdon tube responsive to an external pressure. The Bourdon tube drives a conventional pointer indicator which has mounted thereto the encoded disc. Light is transmitted to the disc by means of fiber optic cables from a remotely positioned oscillator. Light if reflected by the disc at the preselected pressures and transmitted by fiber optic cables to processing circuitry that responds to reflected light signals as generated by the oscillator. To generate these light signals, light emitting diodes form a light source and the light signals are detected by means of phototransistors. For apparatus detecting two preselected pressures, there is a light source/light detector pair for each pressure. The processing circuitry responding to the outputs of the phototransistors generates visual indications of the preselected pressures.

Abstract: A signalling gauge may utilize a non-captivating, magnetically actuated switch element which is mounted in an influence zone of a path of a magnet carried by an indicating pointer of the gauge. The gauge may operate despite the presence of dust, dirt or other pollutants for an extended period of time without inducing sparks or arcing often associated with electromechanical contacts. Hall effect switch elements such as latches or digital switches may be utilized as a switch element for signalling to drive an audio or visual alarm or a digital signal.

Abstract: A pressure gauge has a turning button, a turning disc and a sliding block disposed thereon that, through a protruding wheel fixed on the needle shaft moves the sliding block to force a contact point of a conducting metal piece to contact with a contact point of the turning disc, can start an alarm in case the needle of the gauge comes to reach the designated pressure.

Abstract: To prevent the driver from being confused by the fact that a pseudo vehicle speed to diagnose a vehicle speed meter is indicated when a vehicle speed sensor is disconnected by an accident during vehicle travelling, a pseudo vehicle speed sensor signal is applied to the vehicle speed meter only when the vehicle speed sensor is disconnected from the vehicle speed meter and the disconnected sensor is reconnected to the meter a predetermined time period after the sensor has been disconnected from the meter. The self-diagnostic apparatus is composed of counters, flip-flops and logical gates, and is reset whenever an ignition switch is turned on.

Abstract: A multi-scale indicator which has a main scale and a sub-scale is constructed so as to prevent a misreading between the main scale and the sub-scale. A sub-scale prism and the light source which illuminates only the sub-scale are light insulated from the main scale prism and the light source which illuminates the main scale, due to the sub-scale prism being securely buried within a circular arc shaped prism receiving groove which is formed on the main scale prism. Light opaque paint is spread between the main scale prism and the sub-scale prism to prevent the occurrence of light leakage therebetween. Also provided is an electrical control for supplying a light to the sub-scale prism only when the pointer is moved to a predetermined zone located on the end of the main scale.